Tag Archives: Patrick McLain

Justin Braun scores his fourth USL goal of the year, but Real Monarchs equalize late as Republic FC settles for 1-1 draw.

Republic FC enjoyed most of the possession early in the match. Forward Thomas Stewart had the first real chance of the match in the 34th minute. Stewart sent a header on goal from inside the six-yard box after a Rodrigo Lopez cross was deflected. Real Monarchs keeper Eduardo Fernandez was there to block it away however and kept the match scoreless going into the half.

Republic FC continued to dominate possession to begin the second half and in the 67th minute it would pay off. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez attacked with the ball on the left flank and got into the box. Lopez then picked up his target, Justin Braun, and drilled a cross through the air that found the forward’s head. Braun calmly redirected the cross into a wide open net after Fernandez was forced to defend the threat of Lopez. The goal was Braun’s 4th in USL play in 2015 and the assist adds to Rodrigo Lopez’s all-time USL record.

Real Monarchs capitalized on a counterattack opportunity in the 86th minute. Second-half substitute Lucas Baldin sprinted up the left flank of the Republic FC defense and received a through ball from forward Emery Welshman. Baldin continued towards goal and was able to wrap a right-footed curler around oncoming Republic FC keeper Patrick McLain for the equalizing goal.

Republic FC forward Gabe Gissie, in his first USL start of the season, had a chance for a winner in stoppage time, but his left-footed side-volley went just high keeping the score 1-1.

“We’ve only got ourselves to blame,” Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle said after the match. “We haven’t been beaten, we have to take positives from it, but we are disappointed.”

Republic FC will be back in action again on Saturday, August 22, when they take on Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8:00 pm. A limited number of tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

Colorado Springs, CO. – After an hour and twenty minute lightning delay, Republic FC wasted no time in making a strong offensive statement, taking the lead in just the 2nd minute. Midfielder Danny Barrera sends ball from the right side across the top of the box to Thomas Stewart who took a strong left-footed strike past a diving Devala Gorrick and into the upper left corner of the goal, putting Republic FC ahead 1-0.

Switchbacks FC answered back quickly after Republic FC defender Nemanja Vuković was given a yellow card for a handball in the box in the 19th minute. Switchbacks FC midfielder Luke Vercollone stepped up to the penalty spot in the 21st minute and sent a hard shot into the upper right corner of the goal and past Patrick McLain, who dove left.

Switchbacks FC took the lead in the 38th minute after forward Mike Seth threaded a ball past the offside trap to a streaking Vercollone. The midfielder went one-on-one against McLain and after the keeper dove to his left, slotted home a goal, putting Switchbacks FC ahead 2-1 going into the half.

Republic FC came out attacking in the second half, but it was Switchbacks FC who would strike again in the 78th minute. Vercollone took a strong shot at the top of the box, but had his shot blocked. The rebound bounced perfectly to Chandler Hoffman on the right side of the box. Hoffman then sent a low shot to the left corner of the goal and past a diving McLain, putting Switchbacks FC ahead 3-1.

Republic FC was not done however, and in the 82nd minute pulled within a goal. Substitute defender Derek Foran protected the ball in the middle of the box before passing the ball to his right to fellow defender Mickey Daly. Daly sent a one-touch rocket past Gorrick. making the score 3-2.

Near the end of regulation time, Switchbacks substitute forward Davy Armstrong was sent off after a hard tackle and the ensuing scuffle. Republic FC, now up a man, took advantage soon after, and a minute into stoppage time an Ivan Mirković long ball into the box found its way into the top right corner of the net, equalizing the score 3-3. The goal was Mirković’s first as a member of Republic FC.

Republic FC goalkeeper McLain recorded nine saves on the night, a franchise USL record. McLain also held the previous record of seven saves, which he recorded against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on June 25.

Republic FC return to action on Saturday, August 22, when they take on Real Monarchs SLC at Bonney Field at 8:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on CW31. Tickets are still available on Ticketmaster.com.

Sacramento, California – Switchbacks FC started the match off with a bang in the 3rd minute. Midfielder Rony Argueta controlled the ball on the left side of the pitch at midfield and proceeded down the middle of the Republic FC defense. Argueta looked up and sent a right-footed shot from 25 yards out on goal. Republic FC keeper Patrick McLain dove to his left but Argueta placed the shot into the upper right corner of the net for the early 1-0 lead for Switchbacks FC.

Republic FC thought they deserved a penalty kick twice in the 37th minute after it appeared midfielder Max Alvarez was tackled inside the box after a short corner was played by the home team. After the referee motioned to play on, Republic FC played a through ball into the box for Alvarez. Again, it appeared that Alvarez was dragged down in the box but again a foul was not called. Rodrigo Lopez was issued a yellow card shortly after for arguing with the referee.

Republic FC dominated the possession of the ball in the second half, but could not find the finishing touch. The best chance came in the 59th minute when second half substitute Kaleemullah got on the end of a Lopez corner kick. Kaleemullah sent his shot low and on-target but Switchbacks FC keeper Devala Gorrick was able to dive and parry the shot away for clearance.

The final half hour saw a barrage of crosses from Republic FC players, namely James Kiffe and Danny Barrera. Unfortunately, Republic FC could not get any shots off from those crosses and the match ended in a 1-0 defeat.

“We wanted to come out in the first half with momentum and their goal killed it“, said Republic FC Head Coach Paul Buckle after the match. “I have to say it was a very good goal. We just didn’t have enough in the final third to open them up. I thought we had 75% of the possession and it’s just very difficult when a team camps in.”

Republic FC won’t have to wait long to try to avenge the loss, playing Switchbacks FC again, Friday, August 14 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. PDT. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.

After an even first half hour in the match, with both teams seeing their fair share of possession, Seattle saw the first real chance of the match in the 30th minute. Midfielder Aaron Kovar got behind the Republic FC defense on a long through ball in the air and had a one-on-one encounter with Mickey Daly in the box. Daly was called for a foul after Kovar went to ground. Kovar then stepped up to the penalty spot and pushed his shot wide of the post keeping the match scoreless.

Republic FC got on the score sheet shortly after in the 37th minute when midfielder Rodrigo Lopez sent a threatening through ball up the middle for forward Thomas Stewart. The target-man Stewart was able to run onto the ball and send a first-touch howler on goal. Seattle keeper Charlie Lyon dove to his right and was able to deflect the ball, but Stewart’s shot had too much pace on it as it hit the inside of the far post and into the back of the net for a 1-0 Republic FC lead.

With the assist on Stewart’s first-half goal, Rodrigo Lopez became the all-time USL assists leader. The goal was Stewart’s first in USL play in 2015 and his sixth in all competitions.

The match came to halt in the 76th minute when Seattle defender Amadou Sanyang went in dangerously with a tackle on Republic FC midfielder Octavio Guzman. Sanyang was shown a straight red card and Guzman was subbed out with a right knee injury.

Republic FC would add a second goal in the 83rd minute when Stewart beat an offside trap and ran onto a long through ball from midfielder Danny Barrera. Stewart was by himself and only had the keeper to beat as he initially tried to chip the oncoming Lyon. The Seattle keeper blocked it right back to Stewart, who took two more touches towards the empty net and slotted home his second goal of the match, putting Republic FC ahead 2-0.

“We really contained them well and in open play they didn’t really expose us”, said Sacramento Republic FC Head Coach Paul Buckle after his first USL victory. “I was really pleased with that. We looked very dangerous.”

“It was very important to get the victory after a few weeks not playing in the league”, said Stewart. “It’s always nice to score goals. It’s my job as a striker and I’m a goal-scorer. It’s what I do best.”

The win was snaps a three-match winless streak for Republic FC and moves them within three points of first place LA Galaxy II. Republic FC keeper Patrick McLain recorded his sixth shutout of the season, the fourth at Bonney Field.

Republic FC will be back in action again on Saturday, August 8 when they take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. and tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com

Sacramento Republic FC fall 1-0 to English Premier League side Newcastle United on own-goal.

Sacramento Republic FC came out strong in the first half and had two scoring chances off of free kicks, the first coming in the 33rd minute. Midfielder Max Alvarez drew a foul just outside the box, Rodrigo Lopez stepped up and hooked a right-footed shot near-post. The shot was destined for the corner of the goal, but Newcastle keeper Tim Krul got a glove to it and pushed it out of play.

Alvarez had a chance of his own in the 43rd minute. He stepped up from about 30 yards out and sent a left-footed shot low and to the left of Krul, who promptly parried the ball out of play for a corner kick.

Republic FC defenders Mickey Daly and Nemanja Vuković both had to come to the aid of keeper Patrick McLain in the first half as he was forced off his line numerous times. Daly and Vuković both made goal-saving headers and clearances, respectively, with Daly saving two scoring opportunities keeping the match scoreless at the half.

Newcastle United would take the lead early in the second half. In the 47th minute Republic FC defender James Kiffe sent a Newcastle cross into his own net for own goal and a 1-0 lead for the Magpies.

Republic FC thought they had a quick answer in the 51st minute. Midfielder Danny Barrera took a shot from distance that was saved by Newcastle substitute keeper Freddie Woodman. Forward Thomas Stewart sent the rebound off the post and David Estrada sent that rebound into the goal, but was called offside, disallowing the goal and keeping the score 1-0.

Republic FC would gain a man advantage in the 65th minute when Newcastle defender Massadio Haïdara was sent off with a straight red for a dangerous tackle to the upper body of Barrera.

Republic FC had a scoring chance in the 85th minute when second-half substitute Cameron Iwasa sent a shot on goal, Newcastle keeper Woodman blocked the shot and was unable to catch the shot, but Republic FC could not reach the ball before Woodman collected the rebound.

“I am proud of everyone of our players, staff and fans”, said Republic FC Head Coach Paul Buckle after the match. “I thought tonight that our levels were higher than when we played Sunderland. It was a proper Premiership performance from them, but we still caused them a lot of problems.”

Republic FC will return to USL action on Saturday, August 1, when the take on Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the match may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Despite some early chances for Sacramento Republic FC, LA Galaxy II got on the score sheet first in the 18th minute. Midfielder Alejandro Covarrubias received the ball in the middle of the field and attacked the center of the defense. Republic FC defender Nemanja Vuković stepped up to try to make a tackle in the box, but Covarrubias was able to slide a pass to Jamie Villareal on the left wing. Villareal took one touch and sent a shot near post and past keeper Patrick McLain for an early 1-0 Los Dos lead.

Republic FC were relentless going into halftime, with a flurry of chances coming from Max Alvarez, Emrah Klimenta, David Estrada and Justin Braun. A few missed shots and a diving save from LA Galaxy II keeper Clement Diop kept the scoreline 1-0 in favor of Los Dos going into halftime.

LA Galaxy II came out firing in the second half, scoring in the 47th minute. After a giveaway in the middle of the field, Los Dos swung the ball out wide to Jack McBean, who sent a cross into the box for midfielder Ariel Lassiter. Lassiter skied over the defense and drilled a header off of McLain’s glove which then hit the bottom of the crossbar and down past the line for a goal.

LA Galaxy II added another goal in the 50th minute when midfielder Andre Auras bent a free kick over the wall and past a diving McLain, who got a glove to it, and into the back of the net for a 3-0 lead.

LA Galaxy II forward McBean scored Los Dos’ fourth and final goal in the 76th minute. The goal pushed the final score line to 4-0 in favor of the visitors.

“Sometimes that is football”, said Republic FC Head Coach Preki. “You just don’t get the result you are looking for. I am really proud of our effort.”

Republic FC will be back in action on Tuesday, July 14, when they take on English Premier League side, Sunderland AFC at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the match are still available and may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Sacramento Republic FC earns a point on the road on short rest, recording their fifth shutout of the season.

The match started slowly for Republic FC, who allowed two big chances for the Austin Aztex early in the match. In the 2nd minute forward Kris Tyrpak got behind the defense forcing a one-on-one with Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain, but McLain was up to the task and saved the ball.

In the 3rd minute, Aztex forward Sainey Touray had another good look at goal after receiving the ball on a switch of field. Touray used his speed to get a one-on-one with McLain, but the keeper made a diving save to keep the match scoreless.

Republic FC had their best chance of the first half in the 45th minute on free kick from about 30 yards out. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez sent the free kick toward the back post. Nemanja Vuković headed the free kick back toward the middle finding Thomas Stewart who hammered the ball home. But the flag was raised for offside, keeping the match scoreless going into the half.

The second half started with both sides going back and forth with neither team finding a solid chance on goal. The first good look for Republic FC came in the 67th minute when second-half substitute KaleemullahKhan received the ball in the middle of the field and flicked the ball around a defender. Kaleemullah ran down the ball on the right side of the box and sent a beautifully weighted shot over Aztex goalkeeper Devin Perales and toward the left corner of the goal. The shot went inches wide of the goal, keeping the score 0-0.

In the 79th minute, the Aztex had their best look of the second half when second-half substitute Trevin Caesar took a free kick from about 10 yards outside of the box on the left side. Caesar’s kick sailed toward the back post to forward Drew Yates who made a strong header toward goal, but McLain was there again making a diving finger tip save. The saved ball was then cleared by the Republic FC defense.

Republic FC’s best chance of the match came in the 86th minute. Midfielder Danny Barrera sent a through ball that freed forwards David Estrada and Kaleemullah for a two-on-one with Perales. Estrada attacked straight at Perales before sending a pass to his left to a wide-open Kaleemullah who sent the shot into the goal, but again the flag went up for offside keeping the match scoreless.

“I think we played well enough to get a shutout,” said McLain following the match. “Maybe a few more instances on my end then normal, but I guess that’s what I’m there for.”

Republic FC will be back in action again on Wednesday, July 1 when they take on Real Monarchs SLC in Sandy, Utah. Kickoff is 4:00 p.m. PDT. The kickoff was moved forward due to Real Salt Lake’s U.S. Open Cup match against the Portland Timbers. Republic FC’s match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.

A brace by Rodrigo Lopez and two assists from Octavio Guzman lead Sacramento Republic FC past Tulsa Roughnecks FC and into first place in the Western Conference.

The match started slow for Republic FC as they looked to settle into the match. In the 9th minute, Tulsa Roughnecks FC got their first real chance at goal. Forward Sammy Ochoa received a well-played through ball in front of the net, but Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain came sliding in to make the save.

Republic FC seemed to take over after the 15th minute, dominating possession and constantly pressuring the Roughnecks’ backline. In the 20th minute, Republic FC broke through the line to take the lead. Midfielder Octavio Guzman received right outside of the box from Gilberto. Guzman took the ball to the right edge of the box before sending a grounded, square cross in front of goal. Forward Justin Braun stepped over the ball, leaving it for David Estrada, who made a run toward the ball off the back post. Estrada took a one-touch shot with his right foot from about three yards out, putting Republic FC ahead 1-0.

Republic FC continued to pressure the Roughnecks in the second half as they looked to double their lead. In the 37th minute, Guzman was again the crucial playmaker for Republic FC earning his second assist on the night. Guzman took the ball through an open midfield before sending a great through ball to Rodrigo Lopez who sent a right footed strike under Roughnecks goalkeeper Zac Lubin and into the lower left corner of the goal to put Republic FC ahead 2-0.

The Roughnecks had one final chance at goal in the 45th minute after a foul in the middle of the field. Former Republic FC midfielder Chad Bond stepped up for the Roughnecks and sent a looping ball toward the back post, but the header went straight to McLain who made the save to keep the score 2-0 going into the half.

Republic FC would start the second half slowly, with the Roughnecks taking early control of the half. In the 48th minute, the Roughnecks would get their first real chance of the second half when midfielder Iarfhlaith Davoren sent a cross to Steven Miller whose header went off the bar. The Roughnecks would gather the rebound but the ensuing shot was deflected just wide left of the goal.

The Roughnecks would find the net in the 72nd minute. Newly signed Tulsa native Cristian Mata scored after receiving a perfectly weighted pass over the top of the defense by forward Sammy Ochoa. Mata, who had come on in the 50th minute cut the Republic FC lead in half, making it 2-1.

However, Republic FC would respond quickly to the goal. Midfielder Danny Barrera took a strong run down the middle of the field before being taken down about 25 yards from goal in the 75th minute. Lopez stepped up the ball and sent a textbook bending shot into the left side of the goal for his second goal of the match, giving Republic FC a 3-1 lead over the Roughnecks.

In stoppage time, Republic FC forward Kaleemullah Khan almost increased the lead further after making a nice touch near midfield. Kaleemullah then took the ball straight through the middle of the defense before sending an open shot toward goal, but Lubin was able to deflect the ball away keeping the score 3-1.

Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta needed to be helped off the field after coming down awkwardly on his left ankle in the 69th minute. Klimenta will be evaluated over the next day to further evaluate the extent of the injury.

Republic FC will travel to Austin, Texas and take on the Austin Aztex in their next match on Saturday, June 27. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. PDT. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.

Sacramento, California – Sacramento Republic FC won its first match at Bonney Field since May 9th, defeating Oklahoma City Energy FC 2-1 on Saturday night.

Despite creating several chances in the opening minutes of the match, Republic FC conceded on a set piece in the 19th minute. Energy FC captain Michael Thomas headed the free kick past the Republic FC back line to Danni König, who sent it past Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain and into the lower left corner, putting Energy FC up 1-0.

Republic FC continued to control possession and created several scoring opportunities throughout the first half, most notably when Rodrigo Lopez found forward Cameron Iwasa in the center of the box but Iwasa failed to finish his chip attempt as Energy FC goalkeeper Evan Newton’s was there to keep Iwasa’s shot off target.

Republic FC found an equalizer in the 39th minute, when Octavio Guzman’s cross from the right wing was deflected by Energy FC defender Coady Andrews past Newton near post, and into his own net, tying the score at 1-1 going into halftime.

Newly signed forward Kaleemullah Khan entered for Republic FC in the 66th minute making what is believed to be the first appearance for a Pakistani-born player in a United States professional match. Kaleemullah immediately made an impact, using impressive speed down the middle and creating chances.

In the 80th minute substitute forward Gabe Gissie broke the tie, scoring his first professional goal. Gissie took the ball down the right wing and slotted his shot into the lower left corner of the goal, putting Republic FC up 2-1 for good.

“WOAH!” said Republic FC forward Gissie when asked about his first professional goal.

Republic FC is back in action on Thursday, June 25th when they travel to Tulsa, Oklha. to face Tulsa Roughnecks FC. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. PDT. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.

Game Recap/Photos Courtesy of the Sacramento Republic FC Media Relations

San Jose, California – Sacramento Republic FC got off to a quick start and in just the 5th minute were awarded a penalty after defender Emrah Klimenta was tripped in the box. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez, playing in his first match since May 27, stepped up the box in the 6th minute and sent a hard shot into the right side of the goal, past San Jose keeper Bryan Meredith who dove left.

San Jose took control of the match following the early Republic FC goal and had chances in the 10th, 14th, 22nd and 29th minutes. Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain made two saves and two shots were just wide as San Jose looked to close the gap quickly.

Republic FC would find a few more looks at goal in the half, tying San Jose with five shots in the first half. The strongest look for a second Republic FC goal came in the 44th minute when forward Cameron Iwasa got behind the defense and sent a low cross to the middle of the box. Forward Justin Braun received the cross, but his shot was blocked by the San Jose defense. Lopez sent the rebound on goal as well, but against the defense stood strong keeping the match 1-0 going into the half.

Republic FC again came out strong in the second half and doubled their lead in the 54th minute. Klimenta took a lofted pass from Lopez in the back corner of the box, balancing himself before sending a low hard hit ball under the diving Meredith and into the back of the net to put Republic FC ahead 2-0.

San Jose would roar back, however, late in regulation. In the 74th minute San Jose defender Victor Bernardez sent a cross into the middle of the box that found forward Mike Fucito. McLain was able to block the shot by Fucito but an onrushing Chris Wondolowski cleaned up the rebound making the score 2-1.

Wondolowski would strike again in the 79th minute to even the match. Defender Marvell Wynne fought his way past the defense and sent a hard cross into the box which Wondolowski was able to head past a diving McLain, pulling the Earthquakes even 2-2.

The match would remain tied at the end of 90 minutes forcing extra time. Both clubs has chances to scoring in overtime, including open looks for Republic FC substitute forward Adnan Gabeljic and Wondolowski, but neither team could find the net forcing a penalty shootout.

The first two penalties were goals for each side with Lopez and Nemanja Vuković scoring for Republic FC and Wondolowski and Bernardez scoring for San Jose. In the third round both keepers recorded saves. In the fourth round McLain would make a save while Gilberto converted for Republic FC making it a must-make penalty for San Jose midfielder, and Granite Bay native, Tommy Thompson. Thompson would score setting up Klimenta with a chance to win the match for Republic FC. Klimenta sent a low driven shot toward the left side of the goal, but Meredith guessed correctly and made the save forcing the match into sudden death penalties.

The sixth and seventh round of penalties looked much like the first two rounds with David Estrada and Gabeljic converting for Republic FC, while Koval and Barrera converted for San Jose. Defender Shaun Francis scored in the eighth round, putting the pressure on Republic FC defender James Kiffe, who skied his attempt over the crossbar ending the match with San Jose winning 6-5 on penalties.

“I’m incredibly proud of my guys,” said Sacramento Republic FC head coach Preki following the match. “The most important thing is to measure ourselves against MLS teams because that is where we want to be.”

Republic FC will return to USL action on Saturday, June 20, in a battle of top Western Conference teams, when they take on Oklahoma City Energy FC at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast on CW31, KHTK Sports 1140 AM and streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.